Uniform Policy

Download a PDF version of the Uniform Policy (PDF 157KB)

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School requires students to maintain a high standard of dress and grooming as a matter of priority. In doing so they will present an appropriate image of the School to the broader community and to each other. The purpose of this policy is to:

To promote equality amongst all students.

To further develop a sense of pride in, and identification with our school.

To provide durable clothing that is cost effective and practical for our school environment.

To maintain and enhance the positive image of self and the school in the community.

Rationale

Each Catholic community, organisation and individual collaboratively engaged in the educational ministry of the Church in the Archdiocese of Brisbane is called to:

Teach

We promote faith in Jesus Christ, teaching and learning about Jesus, the gospel and the faith of the Catholic Christian community. Learning is lifelong, life-giving and engages the whole person.

Challenge

Inspired by the Holy Spirit, we challenge those we educate to live in communion with God, others and the whole of creation in prayerful, sacramental, just, peaceful, inclusive and reconciling communities.

Transform

We educate for a transformed world in communion, by nurturing the gifts and potential of each person, enacting shared leadership, and exercising a preferential option for the poor and the marginalised.

The Vision Statement for Catholic Education above underpins and guides the development and implementation of this policy.

Implementation Outcomes

Dress Standards: So as to maintain a high standard of dress, the following specific regulations must be adhered to:

Uniform: The Appropriate uniform must be worn in the appropriate manner at all times:

Formal school uniform must be worn on days it is required. This includes wearing the designated ‘school hat’

Sports uniform may be worn on designated days.

In line with the Sun Protection Policy, hats are to be worn during all outdoor activities or if playing at break times (no hat, no play).

The school logo is the only logo to appear (and must appear) on items of the school uniform.

All uniform items (except shoes) and are expected to be purchased from the school uniform shop

The uniform shop is open on Tuesdays. Parents are to contact the school office to make an appointment time.

Orders can be placed by completing the Order Form, and email it to pdaruniforms@bne.catholic.edu.au, or parents can send the order in with their child. Orders will be filled and be sent home with your child.

Jewellery:

Jewellery is not permitted other than studs / sleepers for ear rings and simple crucifix or other religious symbol pendant. Signet rings are also allowed.

A simple crucifix may be worn on a chain around the neck. Unacceptable jewellery will be confiscated by staff and returned at an appropriate time.

Make-up, hair colour, nail polish and temporary tattoos do not form part of OLSH uniform.

Appearance Standards:

Students at OLSH should have a neat and reasonable hair style which draws no undue attention to themselves. Parents may be asked to take their child home if the hair style is deemed not to be of a reasonable standard. This is at the discretion of the principal.  

These principles are the underlying regulation regarding hair at OLSH. Such hairstyles are deemed extreme and therefore unacceptable under this policy.

The following specific regulations must be adhered to so as to ensure the above statement is maintained.

Hairstyles which draw attention to the student are deemed extreme and will not be permitted. This includes buzz cuts, dreadlocks, mullets, mohawks, tracks, rats tails, etc. These are not acceptable in any form. (Principal has final discretion).

Students (both boys and girls) with shoulder length hair or longer, are to wear it tied back with modest accessories such as ribbons/scrunchies that reflect the school colours.

Large bows etc are unacceptable
In the case of undercuts, the hair on top must be kept short and tidy. If it is long enough that requires it to be tied back or in a bun, it is deemed ‘extreme’ and is not acceptable. This also inclusive of hair over eyes and below the collar

It is a requirement that hair have no colour, style or product that draws attention to the students. Streaks/tips etc are not permitted.

Scope

The parents/carers, and students each have specific responsibilities to arrive at school, dressed in the appropriate uniform.

Teachers have the responsibility to monitor students to ensure they are:

Dressed in the correct clothing

Wearing that uniform according to standards outlined in this and associated documents.

Ensure students present themselves in appropriate school uniform and communicate any difficulties with the school

Ensure students are adhering to both the Dress and Appearance standards outlined above

All items of school uniform are to be marked clearly with student’s name.

In the case of a student being out of uniform, parents are to write a note explaining reasons for being out of uniform indicating a time frame for problem to be rectified.

Teachers will communicate uniform and appearance concerns to parent in the first instance. If further contact is required, communication will be referred to the school leadership team.

Student Responsibilities:

Students have a responsibility to:

Arrive at and depart from school in full school uniform.

At after school care or outside school while still in school uniform, students are expected to wear the uniform correctly (keeping in mind, the Sun Protection policy). While in uniform, students are still representing the school.

Students with shoulder length hair or longer, are to wear it tied back with modest accessories such as ribbons/scrunchies that reflect the school colours. Extreme hair styles are not permitted (Principal has final discretion). These include but are not exclusive to Mohawks, Mullets, Rat Tails, Tracks, undercuts with hair tied up (Buns).

Natural hair colours only are permitted. (Principal has final discretion)

Fashion accessories are limited to ‘sleepers / stud style earrings’ (One only and in both ears), and watches.

School Responsibilities:

Monitor the students to ensure they are in correct uniform and also wearing it appropriately.

Seek clarification from students who are not in correct uniform in the form of parent note.

In the absence of a note, students are issued with an ‘out of uniform’ letter to be sent home, for parents to explain reasons for lack of uniform. (See associated documents)

In the event of non-compliance with any responsibilities within this policy:
- Parents will be contacted
- Consequences for breach of uniform policy will be at the Principal’s discretion